According to SalaryDr data from 88 verified ophthalmology physicians, the median total compensation for Ophthalmology in 2026 is $675,000. The 25th percentile is $510,000 and the 75th percentile is $850,000. Base salary: $660,769. Bonuses: $116,614 (15% receive). Satisfaction: 4.4/5. Workload: ~44 hrs/week. Source: https://www.salarydr.com/specialty/ophthalmology Sample size: 88. Last updated: March 28, 2026.
The median ophthalmologist salary in the United States is $675,000 per year as of March 2026, based on 88 verified physician submissions on SalaryDr. The average ophthalmologist salary is $777,382, with the 25th percentile at $510,000 and the 75th percentile at $850,000.
$675,000
$777,382
$510,000
$850,000
Quick Answer: Ophthalmologist Salary
an ophthalmologist earns approximately $675,000 per year, with most earning between $510,000 and $850,000 annually. This translates to about $337 per hour based on a 44-hour work week.
As of February 8, 2026, an Ophthalmologist earns approximately $675,000 per year ($56,250 monthly). Based on an average 44-hour work week, this translates to about $337 per hour.
Explore Ophthalmology salaries by location: California, Texas, New York, or view all Ophthalmology locations.
From 88 verified physician salary submissions across the United States, SalaryDr is seeing total compensation ranging from $510,000 to $850,000, with top performers (90th percentile) earning up to $3,050,360 annually. Compared to the median physician salary of $300,000, Ophthalmologist salaries are above the national median.
The salary progression for Ophthalmologist shows significant growth potential. Entry-level positions start at $765,308, while those with more than 10 years of experience earn a typical salary of $788,407 – a 3% increase.
Most commonly, Ophthalmologist physicians work in Private Practice settings (60% of submissions). On average, base salary accounts for 85% of total compensation—about $660,769—with the remaining amount coming from bonuses, profit sharing, and incentives.
Based on 88 verified salary submissions. 92% of Ophthalmology physicians reported receiving bonus/incentive compensation.
Explore ophthalmology salary data across different states. Click on any state to view detailed compensation information for that location.
Answers based on 88 verified physician salary submissions, updated in real-time.
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Average satisfaction rating reported by Ophthalmology physicians (1-5 scale).
Percentage of Ophthalmology physicians who would choose this specialty again.
Physicians cite the variety of cases and patient relationships as most rewarding aspects of this specialty.
On-call demands, administrative burden, and work-life balance are cited as the top challenges.
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Average Salary: $400,000
Based on 150 reports
Average Salary: $380,000
Based on 120 reports
Average Salary: $350,000
Based on 100 reports
Average Salary: $340,000
Based on 90 reports
Average Salary: $360,000
Based on 80 reports
Average Salary: $370,000
Based on 70 reports
* Showing locations with the most reported salaries.
* Some locations may be omitted if they have fewer than 3 reports.
Step-by-step guide to negotiating a competitive Ophthalmology salary with confidence and data-driven strategies.
Research current Ophthalmology salary data using verified sources like SalaryDr, MGMA, and local market reports. Document the median, 25th, and 75th percentile ranges for your specialty and experience level.
Learn more →Create a comprehensive list of your qualifications, certifications, years of experience, patient outcomes, and any unique skills or subspecialty training. Quantify your contributions with specific metrics where possible.
Look beyond base salary to include benefits, bonuses, CME allowances, malpractice insurance, retirement contributions, and other perks. Calculate the total compensation value to make informed comparisons.
Develop three negotiation scenarios: your minimum acceptable offer, target salary, and ideal compensation package. Be prepared to discuss trade-offs between salary and benefits.
Rehearse your negotiation conversation focusing on your value to the organization, market data, and specific reasons for your salary request. Practice addressing common objections professionally.
Request a formal meeting with decision-makers. Present your research professionally, emphasize your value, and be prepared to negotiate on multiple aspects of the compensation package.
Professional Tip: This guide provides general recommendations. Always consult with career advisors, mentors, and legal professionals for personalized advice specific to your situation.
We need more Ophthalmology physician in United States salary submissions to provide accurate insights. Your data helps colleagues make informed career decisions.
| Practice Type | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| Academic | $896,875 | 8 submissions |
| Private Practice | $832,182 | 53 submissions |
| Hospital-employed | $634,407 | 27 submissions |
* Practice types with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
Ophthalmology physicians report high career satisfaction, rating their specialty 4.4 out of 5, with 95% saying they would choose this specialty again.
Becoming an ophthalmologist requires extensive medical training including medical school, residency, and often fellowship training. The total training time ranges from 7-8 years post-undergraduate education.
The job outlook for ophthalmologists remains positive across most medical specialties.The specialty continues to offer stable career opportunities with competitive compensation.
Early career Ophthalmology physicians (0-3 years experience) frequently receive bonus packages including signing bonuses, relocation allowances, and productivity incentives as part of their initial offer.
Based on 88 verified physician salary submissions on SalaryDr, the median Ophthalmology salary in 2026 is $675,000 per year. The average salary is $777,382. This works out to approximately $337 per hour based on a 44-hour work week.
The middle 50% of Ophthalmology physicians earn between $510,000 (25th percentile) and $850,000 (75th percentile). Top earners at the 90th percentile or above can make $3,050,360 or more annually. This data comes from 88 verified salary reports.
Early career Ophthalmology physicians (0-5 years experience) earn a median salary of approximately $765,308, while those with 10+ years of experience earn around $788,407 — a 3% increase. The most significant salary growth typically occurs in years 3-7 of practice.
Among Ophthalmology physicians, 92% report receiving bonus or incentive compensation. The median bonus is $110,000 and the average is $126,691. Bonus packages typically include signing bonuses, productivity incentives, quality bonuses, and relocation allowances.
For Ophthalmology physicians, base salary accounts for approximately 85% of total compensation (around $660,769), with the remaining 15% coming from bonuses, incentives, and productivity pay. Total compensation averages $777,382 per year based on 88 verified submissions.
Ophthalmology physicians rate their overall job satisfaction at 4.4 out of 5, with 95% saying they would choose this specialty again. Satisfaction ratings account for compensation, work-life balance, and career fulfillment. Based on 88 verified responses.
SalaryDr collects Ophthalmology salary data from 88 anonymous, verified submissions by practicing physicians across the United States. Data includes total compensation, base salary, bonuses, work hours, practice setting, and location — updated in real-time as new submissions arrive.
Data Source: All salary figures are based on 88 verified, anonymous submissions from practicing physicians. Data is updated in real-time as new submissions are received. Learn about our methodology.
| Years of Experience | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | $623,000 | 5 submissions |
| 3-5 years | $597,715 | 12 submissions |
| 6-10 years | $874,214 | 25 submissions |
| 11-15 years | $740,480 | 25 submissions |
| 16+ years | $845,462 | 21 submissions |
* Experience levels with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
| Subspecialty | Average Salary | Sample Size | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oculoplastic | $1,376,875 | 8 submissions | Focuses on specialized oculoplastic procedures and treatments within ophthalmology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Glaucoma | $707,214 | 14 submissions | Focuses on specialized glaucoma procedures and treatments within ophthalmology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Retina | $661,857 | 14 submissions | Focuses on specialized retina procedures and treatments within ophthalmology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Pediatric | $623,917 | 12 submissions | Provides specialized surgical care for infants, children, and adolescents, addressing congenital conditions and childhood diseases. |
| Cornea | $622,417 | 12 submissions | Focuses on specialized cornea procedures and treatments within ophthalmology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
* Subspecialties with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
* Data is aggregated from verified physician submissions.